Kids Sodium Intake Reaches Alarming Level
By Bae Ji-sook
Staff Reporter
Children's intake of sodium through snacks has reached alarming levels. A pack of potato snacks or instant noodles has large amounts of the substance and children should watch what they are eating, said Consumers Korea, a civic group for consumers.
The amount of sodium contained in 10 out of 14 packs of noodles tested was more than 95 percent of the recommended dose. Most snacks and cereals also contained excessive levels of sodium. An excessive intake of sodium can cause high blood pressure and obesity.
One packet of `Wangttukkeong', a cup noodle from Yakurt, contained 2,050 milligrams or 103 percent of the government recommended daily amount. A pack of Angseongtangmen from Nongshim, Jinramen from Ottogi, Samyang Ramen and Daegwanlyeong Kimchi Raemen from Samyang each contained about 98-99 percent of the daily sodium requirement. Best seller, Ohgamja from Orion had 640 milligrams or 32 percent.
The survey showed that eating just a few packs of chips more than covered the daily sodium requirement before eating ordinary meals.
Enfant by SeoulMilk and E-Mart Children's Cheese, both targeting children, contained higher-than average sodium levels. Cereals, one of the most popular breakfast dishes among children, were also found to have a large amount of sodium. Nongshim Kellogg's Choco Chex and Fruit Rings had 157 mg and 156 mg of the chemical per 40 gram serving, respectively.
``Since sodium is being blamed for causing obesity and disease, customers should be aware of what they are eating,'' group spokesman Kim Jae-ok said. The Korea Food and Drug Administration and the World Health Organization recommend no more than 2,000 milligrams of sodium per day, which is equivalent to five grams of salt.